Haro, La Rioja

Haro may be a pocket-sized, historic, hilltop town, but it really packs a punch when it comes to its vineyards. So much so, that it’s officially been named the capital of the La Rioja wine region in northern Spain. You can easily stroll around its maze of narrow streets in a day, which are stuffed with Medieval churches, tucked-away tapas bars and, naturally, plenty of traditional wine bars, each serving their favourite rioja wine. The town boasts over 20 wineries, from the bigger named bodegas in the Railway District to the smaller cellars scattered across town. While the lure of the town’s full-bodied, red-berried wine is inescapable here, it’s also easy to spend a few hours in the main square simply enjoying its rustic charm and watching the world go by.

Top three things to do in Haro:

1. Taste the region’s Rioja

Tasting the region’s famous riojas is a must for any visit to Haro – it’s probably what led you here. Head down the hill to the Barrio de la Estación – that’s the Railway District to you and me – for the biggest bodegas, AKA wine bars, in town. Book a tour in advance to visit the underground cellars of the oldest bottling firm in the region, Bodegas Bilbaínas. Try a tour at La Rioja Alta, S.A to see how they blend traditional wine-making with modern technology. Or, head to CVNE, one of the oldest wineries in this part of Spain, to sip on rioja that’s been aged in the barrel for over three years.

2. Walk the local nature trail

Spain’s longest river, the Ebro, marks out a nature trail that’s popular with hikers and cyclists who want to enjoy La Rioja’s rustic landscape. You’ll head northwest out of town and cross the Brinas Bridge for views full of vineyards. Follow the river for around eight miles and you’ll reach the historic town of San Vicente de la Sonsierra, complete with Medieval castle. It’s a great place to explore if you’re in the area for a couple of days and fancy a three-hour laidback hike in the Spanish countryside.

3. Hang out at Plaza de la Paz

The town’s main square, Plaza de la Paz, is a hive of activity and you’ll often find festivals and events being hosted here. But even on quieter days, it’s the ideal spot to grab a table in the sunshine at one of the tapas and wine bars littering the square, and simply soak up the rustic Spanish atmosphere of Haro. Raise a glass of rioja and enjoy some tapas, like jamón ibérico, white Navarre asparagus or patatas bravas, while looking out over City Hall, which is, of course, decorated with wine barrels.